Burnout Prevention and Recovery
1.STOP DENYING. Listen to the wisdom of your body. Begin
to freely admit the stresses and pressures which have manifested physically,
mentally, or emotionally.
2.AVOID ISOLATION. Don't do everything alone! Develop or renew
intimacies with friends and loved ones. Closeness not only brings new insights,
but also is anathema to agitation and depression.
3.CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. If your job, your relationship,
a situation, or a person is dragging you under, try to alter your circumstance,
or if necessary, leave.
4.DIMINISH INTENSITY IN YOUR LIFE. Pinpoint those areas or aspects
which summon up the most concentrated intensity and work toward alleviating
that pressure.
5.STOP OVERNURTURING. If you routinely take on other people's
problems and responsibilities, learn to gracefully disengage. Try to get
some nurturing for yourself.
6.LEARN TO SAY "NO". You'll help diminish intensity by speaking
up for yourself. This means refusing additional requests or demands on
your time or emotions.
7.BEGIN TO BACK OFF AND DETACH. Learn to delegate, not only at
work, but also at home and with friends. In this case, detachment means
rescuing yourself for yourself.
8.REASSESS YOUR VALUES. Try to sort out the meaningful values
from the temporary and fleeting, the essential from the nonessential. You'll
conserve energy and time, and begin to feel more centered.
9.LEARN TO PACE YOURSELF. Try to take life in moderation. You
only have so much energy available. Ascertain what is wanted and needed
in your life, then begin to balance work with love, pleasure, and relaxation.
10.TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. Don't skip meals, abuse yourself with
rigid diets, disregard your need for sleep, or break the doctor appointments.
Take care of yourself nutritionally.
11.DIMINISH WORRY AND ANXIETY. Try to keep superstitious worrying
to a minimum - it changes nothing. You'll have a better grip on your situation
if you spend less time worrying and more time taking care of your real
needs.
12.KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. Begin to bring job and happy moments
into your life. Very few people suffer burnout when they're having fun.